Product Reviews: Murad Active Radiance Serum

I've been working for Massage Envy just shy of two years. Massage Envy uses Murad skin and body care products exclusively and so far, the only Murad product line I've tried is Environmental Shield. Why only one? Because it's that good. I rely on public transportation. This means that I am exposed to harsher elements…

Licensure and Portability: NCB and ITEC UK team up to create international massage credential

The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork announced on March 14th, 2015 that they have partnered with ITEC, a British education company specializing in international credentialing. The goal is to facilitate 'portability' and 'standardization' for the massage profession. This partnership is similar to ISPA's Spa Certifications that have been available to members and non…

Announcing Fruits, Nuts and Flakes: Massage and Bodywork Edition

Announcing Fruits, Nuts and Flakes: Massage and Bodywork Edition I have launched a kickstarter project to promote what I hope will be a welcome edition to massage publishing and education. I plan on it appealing to friends and foes of complimentary and alternative medicine and education, science and modernism. Please share your thoughts! I hope…

The Vampire Facial: An assault on science or simple race baiting?

Back in 2013, Kim Kardashian tried the newest trend in esthetics, or so it may have seemed. The Vampire Facial. The Spa world responded discreetly and quickly renamed the procedure "microneedling." Count on MTV to showcase this attempt at cultural stereotyping and shoddy science. 19 year old teen bathes in pigs blood to retain her 'youth'…

Boredom: What is it and how should we respond?

What is Boredom? Why would anyone other than someone who is bored be interested about the topic? Why write about it unless your creating solutions to a problem? Could boredom ever be healthy? Boredom is a feeling first and foremost. It lies at the root of many illnesses, so many in fact, that the modern…

My own Radio Show?

  Wow! I was approached earlier this month about hosting a radio show based around my Professional blog, Borderlands of Health and Wellness and possibly a smaller role for this blog on Spa! I am flattered to be honest and I would love to give it a try for at least a season to see…

Salt Cave!

I was just doing some research on Cystic Fibrosis and came across this link from the UK. It's a website devoted to Salt Caves as a treatment option for various illnesses. Now I am not about to presume this is an effective treatment but Salt Caves did enter the Spa Industry about five years ago.…

Continuing Education Outline for Neuromuscular Therapy Submitted

I submitted a proposed outline today for a Con't Ed module on Neuromuscular Therapy. Now, I need to get to work on one for Hot Stone Massage. I feel blessed that this would only be a short introduction to the subject and I learned a GREAT DEAL merely searching the web for basic info and…

British Association of Dermatologists laughs off ‘Drinkable Suncreen’ claims

According to tabloid reports in Britain's The Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph, a new 'drinkable sunscreen' is on the market in the UK. Osmosis Skin Care reportedly based out of the US is a holistic skin care company that is marketing "Harmonised H20 UV Water" According to their website: "Osmosis Skincare is dedicated to fostering…

Ultrasonic cavitation: Lipo without surgery?

http://youtu.be/Q2zgCEY3za8 I just saw this video over on nuestranikky. The subject is Ultrasonic cavitation for weight loss. I had to go digging around for more information but found this definition from Wikipedia: Ultrasonic cavitation device is a surgical device using low frequency ultrasound energy to dissect or fragment tissues with low fiber content. It is…